Green Gown Awards 2020 - Aston University - Finalist

Road to Zero at Aston University 

Aston University started the Road to Zero in 2009 when the University decided to set a 5% stretched target to the HEFCE average carbon emissions target of 43%. The University aimed to hit a 48% reduction by 2020/21.   

The University is on target with its first Carbon Management Plan to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2020/21. The University is now entering a new phase of Carbon Management that will help reach zero carbon. Furthermore, we are integrating sustainability throughout the University to support reducing the impacts of climate change. The launch of our Sustainability Strategy 2020-24 helps to drive further change in the organisation.  

Top 3 learnings:

1. Staff support in all areas is critical to making it a University wide approach. 
2. Collaboration is key.  
3. Inspiration lets people feel motivated to balance economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental accountability.